Bow to your Queen.
Despite snagging an Academy Award nomination for her role as Matron “Mama” Morton in the movie-musical “Chicago,” some younger NFL fans were taken aback by rapper Queen Latifah’s singing chops — demonstrated when the multitalented performer, 53, belted out the national anthem at Sunday night’s Giants-Cowboys matchup.
In a clip making the rounds on social media, the “Hollywood” actress, born Dana Owens, is seen taking the stage at MetLife Stadium in a crisp, white two-piece suit, surrounded by members of the NYPD and FDNY choir, as part of a stirring Sept. 11 tribute.
The emotional moment included first responders who were at Ground Zero when two planes commandeered by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan 22 years ago today.
Following the performance, several youthful armchair observers took to X to express their surprise that the voice behind Motormouth Maybelle in the 2007 Broadway version of “Hairspray” could actually hit her notes.
“I didn’t know Queen Latifah could ‘sing.’ Did anyone else know,” posted one of hundreds of users that appeared to be shocked.
“Queen Latifah sings,” gasped another startled user. “Since when?”
The sentiment was also echoed across the platform with hundreds of users echoing the question.
Older commenters on X were were quick to school the youngsters regarding Owens’ lengthy and varied career.
“Has to be an age thing…cause if you know her acting/movie career a good percentage she sings in… ‘Hairspray’ [and] ‘Chicago,’” posted a wise sage.
“She has Jazz albums and sang the theme song for Living Single,” commented a second person.
The Post reached out to Latifah for comment.
“Everybody over 35 knows Dana Owens / Queen Latifah sings and sings well. Listen to her albums or watch Living Single!,” snarked a third person.
Born in Newark, Latifah first appeared on the music scene in the 1980s with her hit single “Wrath of My Madness” and later won a Grammy Award in 1995 for her song “U.N.I.T.Y” and has since released several albums.
The Jersey girl also provided the vocals for the main theme of the 1998 film “Living Out Loud” which starred Danny DeVito and Holly Hunter.
Latifah would also put these musical talents to use in 2002 when she signed up for the role that would eventually snag her an Oscar nom in in the movie adaptation of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s legendary musical “Chicago.”
She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress alongside “Chicago” co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones that year. Zeta-Jones ultimately took home the gold statue.
In 2021, Latifah made history by being the first rapper to receive the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.
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